My recommendations for the best alpine hiking shoes are based on testing hiking footwear more than 1,000 miles each year —including regular hikes above 10,000 feet/3000 meters. Alpine conditions often call for sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes that can handle snow, rocks, steep ups and downs, and long days on on your feet. For 2026, the best alpine hiking shoes are the Oboz Katabatic RT, Salewa Alp Trainer 2, Scarpa Rush Trail, and LOWA Delago.
Note: This post was updated on September 8, 2026 to remove discontinued models and add new models.
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in the French Alps
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5 Best Alpine Hiking Shoes
In 2026, the best alpine hiking shoes are the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3, Oboz Katabatic RT, Salewa Alp Trainer 2, Scarpa Rush Trail GTX, and LOWA Delago (from lightest to heavy-duty). If you like the shoes further down the list, don't wait to buy them—they'll be updated (Alp Trainer) and discontinued (Rush Trail, Delago) in 2027.
LA SPORTIVA ULTRA RAPTOR 3 (New for 2026)
Lightweight Alpine Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
I've hiked above 10,000 feet several times in the Ultra Raptor 3, La Sportiva's new lightweight hiking shoe for 2026. Lighter than the La Sportiva Spire, the Raptor is a good choice for hikers who move fast over mountain terrain. I love this shoe's tread in the mountains, which balance aggressive elements with solid rock traction. The "GTX" version adds GORE-TEX waterproofing to handle snow bridges and lingering snow at elevation. This shoe's roomier fit also fits a wider range of hikers compared with La Sportiva's traditional, narrow lasts. If you prioritize weight savings over support, this is a lightweight alpine hiking shoe worth trying on.
Men's Ultra Raptor 3 Low
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Women's Ultra Raptor 3 Low
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OBOZ KATABATIC RT (New for 2026)
Alpine Hiking Shoe with Modern Styling
Main Benefits:
Made for rough trails ("RT"), the Katabatic RT is a heavy-duty Oboz hiking shoe with more modern styling than classic European trekking boots. Don't be fooled, though. This hiking shoe is stiff through the midfoot with protective uppers and Vibram outsoles that can handle alpine hikes. If you want an alpine hiking shoe that doesn't look like an alpine hiking shoe, the new Oboz Katabatic RT can handle tough hikes above treeline.
Men's Oboz Katabatic RT Low
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Women's Oboz Katabatic RT Low
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Main Benefits:
Now that Salewa has discontinued the Mountain Trainer Lite (my go-to alpine hiking shoe), I'll pivot to the Alp Trainer Lite as my pick for the brand's best alpine hiking shoe. The Alp Trainer 2 is slightly narrower than the MTN Trainer Lite with a build that blends a hiking shoe with an approach shoe for better climbing performance. The vibram soles can handle both rocks and snow, making it great tread for high-elevation hiking. If you have narrow feet, this is a high-performance alpine hiking shoe that I highly recommend for serious hikers.
Men's Salewa Alp Trainer 2
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Women's Salewa Alp Trainer 2
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SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX
Sturdy Alpine Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Don't let its name fool you. The Scarpa Rush Trail is not a trail running shoe. It's a serious alpine hiking shoe that's stiffer and sturdier than the regular Scarpa Rush (above). I've backpacked several tough trails in its mid-cut version, the Rush TRK. The Rush Trail GTX feels firm, stiff, and sturdy underfoot while maintaining some agility for athletic performance. The Presa rubber outsoles are soft enough to grip rock with some deeper lugs to gain traction on steep ascents and descents—perfect for alpine terrain. It's one of the best alpine hiking shoes for men and women who want both stability and agility for their mountainous treks.
See my related Rush TRK Mid review
Men's Rush Trail GTX
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Women's Rush Trail GTX
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LOWA DELAGO GTX
Low-cut Alpine Trekking Boot
Main Benefits:
The LOWA Delago is a brute that's built for big mountains and unpredictable weather. The heaviest shoe on this list, this low-cut trekking boot has stiff, rigid soles to prevent foot fatigue and stabilize ankles on uneven terrain. LOWA built this shoe for rock scrambling with approach shoe-style laces, extra rubber in the toes, and Vibram outsoles designed for rock traction. I've personally tested the Delago Lo GTX on some winter hikes and a via ferrata adventure This rock-solid shoe rates as one of the best alpine hiking shoes for hikers who want trek-grade stability and support in a low-cut package.
See my full LOWA Delago review
Men's LOWA Delago
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Women's LOWA Delago
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Buying the Best Alpine Hiking Shoes
Testing the low-cut LOWA Delago
Unfortunately, it's getting harder to find serious alpine hiking shoes. Many brands now focus on "the modern hiker"—those who prefer lighter, more casual hiking shoes for hikes in and out of town. In the past year, brands discontinued three of the best alpine hiking shoes that I've personally tested and reviewed. And it looks like one of the shoes above may be on its way out, too.
But the shoes above give you some lightweight (X Ultra Alpine, Rush 2) and traditional (Rush Trail, Delago) for mountain hikes that demand better support, weather protection, and traction.
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